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What decibel level do you listen at?

poor grammer on the question, I know, but I recently downloaded the SPL Meter app for my iPhone and I am shocked by how low the volume level actually is when I listen to music.

I thought I was normally listening at high SPL levels, but I have found that at about 85 it's too loud to think (when it reads 65, you can't talk to someone else in the room). I checked it against my real SPL Meter and the readings are pretty accurate.

I thought I was listening at about 90+ dbl on average, but I have discovered it's actually about 60 to 75 db, and that actually seems loud to me. I guess I'm happy about that, but does anyone else check the Decibel level, and what's considered "Reference Level"?
macdadtexas
tvad
9,467 posts
 
One of the ways I know stuff is set up better is I can listen to it a HIGHER volumes and it still shines.

Bob
Acoustat6 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I was thinking the same thing. Glad you mentioned it. In my system, I know things are set up well when the volume can be turned WAY up and the system continues to sound clean, smooth and balanced.
macdadtexas OP
1,794 posts
 
ditto, but I am surprised that what sounds extremely loud to me, and is still crystal clear, registers at 85 db. 90 db, can't stay in the room, need to move to the next room.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I am surprised that what sounds extremely loud to me, and is still crystal clear, registers at 85 db. 90 db, can't stay in the room, need to move to the next room.
Macdadtexas (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Knowing the music you like from your posts, I'm frankly surprised you listen at such a moderate to low level (on my volume scale).
daverz
477 posts
 
My "neighbors are out" listening volume seems to have peak levels of about 85 dB. I suppose climaxes in Bruckner, Mahler, or Shostakovich might get up to 90 dB. Hard to say what the average is for big Romantic and post-Romantic works.

I just put on the Clash's London Calling (2000 CD), and an 80 dB average level is really above what I'd normally find a comfortable listening level ("too loud to think"), and even 75dB average seems to be my "indulgent" volume.

Part of this may be that the default Vandersteen bass EQ procedure results in very warm bass. On music with lots of low, synthesized bass it can be kind of overwhelming.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
~ 88 dbs tops. If any higher I know it is higher and that rare case I adjust volume down accordingly. My volume is optimized (for my room)for all sources (two CD and three TTs)-For Most recordings I don't have to touch the volume dial and it is loud enough.
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